Nursing Elites

1. Eleanor, a 62 y.o. woman with diverticulosis is your patient. Which interventions would you expect to include in her care?

• A. Low-fiber diet and fluid restrictions.
• B. Total parenteral nutrition and bed rest.
• C. High-fiber diet and administration of psyllium.
• D. Administration of analgesics and antacids.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Care for a patient with diverticulosis includes a high-fiber diet and administration of psyllium.

2. The client being seen in a physician’s office has just been scheduled for a barium swallow the next day. The nurse writes down which of the following instructions for the client to follow before the test?

• A. Fast for 8 hours before the test.
• B. Eat a regular supper and breakfast.
• C. Continue to take all oral medications as scheduled.
• D. Monitor own bowel movement pattern for constipation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A barium swallow is an x-ray study that uses a substance called barium for contrast to highlight abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. The client should fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test, depending on physician instructions. Most oral medications also are withheld before the test. After the procedure the nurse must monitor for constipation, which can occur as a result of the presence of barium in the gastrointestinal tract.

3. A client with liver dysfunction has low serum levels of thrombin. The nurse provides care, anticipating that this client is most at risk of

• A. Dehydration
• B. Malnutrition
• C. Bleeding
• D. Infection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thrombin is produced by the liver and is necessary for normal clotting. When a client with liver dysfunction has low serum levels of thrombin, they are at risk of bleeding due to impaired clotting mechanisms. Dehydration (choice A) is not directly related to low thrombin levels. Malnutrition (choice B) may impact overall health but is not the most immediate concern associated with low thrombin levels. Infection (choice D) is not directly related to the clotting function affected by low thrombin levels.

4. Which of the following complications of gastric resection should the nurse teach the client to watch for?

• A. Constipation
• B. Dumping syndrome
• C. Gastric spasm
• D. Intestinal spasms

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clients should be taught to watch for symptoms of dumping syndrome, a common complication after gastric resection.

5. The nurse has given instructions to the client with an ileostomy about foods to eat to thicken the stool. The nurse determines that the client needs further instructions if the client stated to eat which of the following foods to make the stool less watery?

• A. Pasta
• B. Boiled rice
• C. Bran
• D. Low-fat cheese

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Foods that help to thicken the stool of the client with an ileostomy include pasta, boiled rice, and low-fat cheese. Bran is high in dietary fiber and thus will increase the output of watery stool by increasing propulsion through the bowel. Ileostomy output is liquid. Addition or elimination of various foods can help to thicken or loosen this liquid drainage.

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